View source for Howto-lxc-simple

[https://linuxcontainers.org/ Linux Containers (LXC)] provides containers similar BSD Jails, Linux VServer and Solaris Zones. It gives the impression of virtualization, but shares the kernel and resources with the "host".

'''NOTE:''' Simple (howto) is meant for using LXC for quick installation of applications using HOSTs networking/ip (container config has, <code>lxc.network.type = none</code> ) and usage of application for development work. Most application have internal settings for PORTs which will be used where multiple versions of that application is needed to install.<br>For production or live environment using [[bridge]] (br0) with [[LXC | full networking]] for container would be ideal, alternate use docker (both requires some experience with container technologies).

'''Target audience:''' Developers, Newbies

'''Tested on:''' AlpineLinux v3.3x(host+guest)

== Installation (base) ==
Install the required packages:
{{Cmd|apk add {{pkg|lxc|arch=}} {{pkg|lxc-templates|arch=}} {{pkg|bridge|arch=}}}}

Create a simple configuration template for the guests, ''/etc/lxc/simple.conf'':
<pre>
lxc.network.type = none
</pre>

== Create a guest ==

=== Using Alpine Template ===

{{Cmd|lxc-create -n dev1 -f /etc/lxc/simple.conf -t alpine}}

This will create a ''/var/lib/lxc/dev1'' directory with a ''config'' file and a ''rootfs'' directory.

If running on x86_64 architecture, it is possible to create a 32bit guest:

{{Cmd|lxc-create -n dev1 -f /etc/lxc/simple.conf -t alpine -- --arch x86}}


== Starting/Stopping the guest ==
Create a symlink to the ''/etc/init.d/lxc'' script for your guest.
{{Cmd|ln -s lxc /etc/init.d/lxc.dev1}}

You can start your guest with:
{{Cmd|rc-service lxc.dev1 start}}

Stop it with:
{{Cmd|rc-service lxc.dev1 stop}}

Make it autostart on boot up with:
{{Cmd| rc-update add lxc.dev1}}

You can also add to the container config: <code>lxc.start.auto = 1</code>

& {{Cmd|rc-update add lxc}}

to autostart containers by the lxc service only.

== Connecting to the guest ==
By default sshd is not installed, so you will have to connect to a virtual console. This is done with:
{{Cmd|lxc-console -n dev1}}

To disconnect from it, press {{key|Ctrl}}+{{key|a}} {{key|q}}

== Deleting a guest ==
Make sure the guest is stopped before removal:
{{Cmd|lxc-stop -n dev1}}
{{Cmd|lxc-destroy -n dev1}}
This will erase everything, without asking any questions. It is equivalent to: {{Cmd|rm -r /var/lib/lxc/dev1}}

== Installing applications in simple LXC containers ==
1. [[Howto-lxc-lamp-simple | Installing LAMP (simple) ]]

== Advanced ==
see [[bridge | setting bridge (device: br0)]] with [[LXC | LXC full networking]]

[[Category:Security]]
[[Category:Virtualization]]